Web Columnist Mounir Ennenbach explores the role of cities in environmental policy

Despite these gloomy numbers, the American West's 49'er mentality of continual and aggressive resource consumption still persists. While the particular resource in this case is largely abundant (at least when compared to other natural resources) it is in no way infinite, much less renewable in the short-term. If it continues down this path, the West could be in serious trouble.

“Seaport City can provide… protection, while also expanding opportunities for new economic development.”

By highlighting the frequency of significant tropical cyclones striking the New York City region, this article is not meant to reduce the importance of finding solutions as quickly as possible; rather, it is meant to heighten awareness of the special risk that New York City has always faced, but has never fully addressed.

Fossil fuels are therefore necessary to our continued growth. They provide stability and performance where they are needed. We cannot live in a world where the well- being of humanity must be sacrificed.

The Atlantic yards district today is not what it was twenty years ago, one hundred years ago, one thousand years ago. The question begs itself to be asked: why should it remain the same twenty years from now, one hundred years from now, one thousand years from now?

The question now is, do we, a country with a per capita GDP 138 times that of the DRC, and a per capita carbon emissions 432 times as high, have a right to expect true environmental cooperation on a global scale?

China, with its aspiring renewable energy projects, “green cities”, and reforestation efforts, has shown a willingness to combat climate change while not sacrificing economic growth.

Coal seam gas, a form of natural gas extracted from coal beds, has the ability to make Australia one of the world’s largest energy exporters. At the same time, it has the potential to create a social and environmental catastrophe.

We, as Americans, believe that using, even wasting, our resources is our prerogative, a constitutional right fought for, and won, over generations.